Is the Heat Getting to You! A Few DIY Tips to Keep Your House Cool

As summer temperatures climb and the sun is shining, it can feel nearly impossible to keep your house cool — especially if you’re trying to avoid a sky-high energy bill. Whether you’re facing a heatwave or just a typical hot summer day, these easy ways to cool your home will help you stay cool and beat the heat.

Air Conditioning: Great – But Not Always the Answer

While air conditioning is effective, running your air conditioner non-stop is expensive and can overwork your system. There are plenty of ways to cool your home that either support your air con or reduce the need for it altogether.

Make a DIY Air Conditioner to Cool a Room Fast

Looking for a DIY project that’s actually useful? Here’s how to make a DIY air conditioner with just a fan, a cooler or bucket, and ice:

• Fill a container with ice or frozen water bottles.
• Position a fan to blow across the ice.
• This setup will pull cool air into the room, lowering the air temperature temporarily.

It’s a simple way to cool the air around your home without turning on the central AC.

Block the Heat Before It Enters

Shield Your Home from Unnecessary Heat Gain. Reducing heat gain is one of the best ways to keep your house cool:

• Use curtains and blinds, especially on south-facing windows. Thermal curtains can keep heat out during the day.
• Add an awning to block the heat from direct summer sun.
• Apply reflective film to windows — it’s a low-cost way to keep your home cooler.

These small changes help reduce the amount of heat that builds up inside your house.

Let in Cool Air and Improve Air Flow

When the temperature drops in the evening, open your windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage cross-ventilation. This helps push the hot air out and let in cool air naturally. Use ceiling fans to circulate the cool breeze, setting them to spin counterclockwise in summer. This helps cool your body and makes the room feel several degrees cooler.

Open the Loft Hatch

Opening a loft hatch can be a surprisingly effective DIY tip to keep your house cool in hot weather. As the sun beats down, heat naturally rises, accumulating in your attic and contributing to an uncomfortably warm living space. By simply opening your loft hatch, you create a pathway for that hot air to escape, allowing cooler air from below to flow in and circulate throughout your home. This simple yet effective approach transforms your attic into a natural ventilation system, by embracing this easy DIY tip you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable living space without breaking the bank.

Curtains, Blinds, and More: Passive Cooling Hacks

Blinds – Curtains: Use Blinds and Curtains to Cool Without Air Conditioning

Light Coloured Window Dressing: Light-colored blinds and curtains reflect more light and absorb less heat. Keep them closed during peak daylight hours. They’re a simple way to cool your home without air conditioning.

Insulation: Insulating your windows is also key. Good insulation keeps cooler air in and warm air out — especially useful if you want to cool the home during extreme heat.

Limit Appliances That Produce a Lot of Heat

Avoid ovens, dryers, and incandescent lightbulbs — they produce heat and raise the temperature of your home. Cook outdoors, or opt for a slow cooker, air fryer, or microwave that gives off less heat.

Switching to LED lighting can also make your air inside feel cooler by reducing internal heat sources.

Upgrade Fan Efficiency and Consider Portable Air Conditioners

• Use box fans near windows to pull cool air in or push hot air out.
• Adjust fan speed based on your comfort level.
• Portable air conditioners can target specific rooms rather than cool the air across the whole house.

These options can help cool your home in a more focused, energy-conscious way.

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool in Summer

Additional Tips for Keeping Cool in Hot Weather

• Use breathable bedding especially cotton and linen for a naturally cooler sleep.
• Close doors to unused rooms to keep the heat from spreading.
• If you leave the room for a while, turn off unnecessary electronics that produce a lot of heat.
• Fill a Hot Water Bottle with cold water for a cooling effect.

Conclusion

You don’t have to rely solely on your air conditioner to cool your home. From learning how to make a DIY air conditioner to improving air flow and using smart shading techniques, there are many ways to keep your house comfortable during the summer months. With a little planning and suggested tips for keeping cool, you can lower the temperature of the room and feel comfortable, even during the next heatwave.